I have a chance to get a mauser action that is a 98 D.W.M. I know very little about these. Is it a true 98. Is this a good action? I would use it for 35 Whelen
Thanks in advance for your answers... Maddog

1909's are true m98's and are nice actions for custom guns, just get them re-case hardened and carbourized and use a low pressure loads.

If you go through the trouble of recarburising then why on earth would you limit yourself to low presuure loads? Define low pressure?

If you want a fine custom rifle in .35 Whelen the 1909 argentine (DWM) is a fine start...just add money and you'll have a great sporter.

Nice caliber

one of the nicer qualities of the 1909 Argentine is the triggerguard/magazine. It has a hinged floorplate as opposed to the basic mauser design. ON the Argentine it was designed for the 7.65 Argentine cartridge. You might have to do a bit of work to lengthen it just a hair for the 36 Whelan.

Contact Pacific Metalurgical or Blanchards for recarburizing.

I have found a Winchester Model 54... Would this be better for my project??? Maddog

quote:

Originally posted by MADDOG:
I have found a Winchester Model 54... Would this be better for my project??? Maddog

NO! The M 54 is strong enough as-is, but it is NOT as nice for a custom sporter. For one thing, the bottom metal is stamped just like the old 7821-722 Remingtons. No class at all. A goodly number of FINE custom rifles have been built on 1909 Argentine actions.

For "low pressure" loads in my military 1909 DWM, I use IMR 4350 powder with both 180 and 200-grain bullets. My rifle's headspace is as tight as the day it left DWM!

I left the barrel at 29", and it shoots like this:

165-grain Sierra .308" bullets



200-grain .308" bullets, Nosler Partition & Sierras.

The Winchester 54 is a good rifle. Starting with this action would make your job easier. However, I like the 98 better. If your 54 is a 30-06 or 270, you should be able to rebore or rebarrel with no other changes. If you plan on a scope you might want a more scope-friendly bolt handle. I would'nt butcher a NICE 54 in any way. The model 70 was a much evolved 54, but the 54 has it's own charm in my opinion. I still think of it as a classic american sporter, even though it doesn't have a hinged floor plate. Good luck.

Last 54 I had WAS 35 Whelen. As far as the bottom metal all you have to do is cut off the trigger guard bow and use a Model 70 trigger guard. It only requires a little file work to fit the rear of floorplate over the trigger guard. Screw holes and all work fine. Harry Lawson personally set up and turned me a blank for a prewar cloverleaf tang Mdl 70 and it fit fine. Replaced the bolt handle and put on Beulher safety. Made a very nice rifle for not much outlay.